In our classes we teach both the National Curriculum and the Primary Years Program (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate Organization, (IBO) which is a comprehensive inquiry-based approach to learning with an international perspective.

The structured inquiry units which combine the five essential elements-knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action- of PYP aim at ensuring horizontal and vertical alignment and are intended to serve as a foundation for work in the Primary School. Subjects are are studied within the framework of six organizing themes. Structured inquiry units are developed by taking into account the interests of students in line with these organizing themes.

Themes

3-year-old Group

Pre-Kindergarten

Kindergarten

Who we are?

My Emotions

Who am I ?

Discovering My Body

Where we are in place and time?

The City I Live In

How do we express ourselves?

Colours

Tell me a story

Little Artists

How does the world work?

Life Cycles

How do we organise ourselves ?

I Learn Through Games

Sharing the planet

Bugs

Seeds

According to the transdisciplinary themes, there are two PYP units of inquiry in 3 year-old group, four PYP units of inquiry in pre-kinder, and five PYP units of inquiry in kinder. The PYP units of inquiry are studied within various time periods and in relation with the other lessons. One unit of inquiry may be revisited a number of times. The students’ inquiries on the topic may continue throughout the year.

The aim of the IB programmes is to educate students with a global mentality, who are aware of humanity and that our planet belongs to us all, and who will work to create a better and more peaceful world. Our teachers follow the developments in teaching and learning by attending in service trainings as well as those abroad.

We would like to introduce you now to these attributes.

Inquirers They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning . They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Open-minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

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In accordance with PYP, collective planning is very important in our school. Art, language events, music, plays, drama, science, mathematics and preparation to elementary school in classes are all prepared with the collective planning of the teachers. There is also detailed study on supporting individual growth of the children and meet their different needs.

PYP attitudes

In PYP schools, students should demonstrate:

Appreciation: Appreciating the wonder and beauty of the world and its people.

Commitment: Being committed to their own learning, persevering and showing self-discipline and responsibility.

Confidence: Feeling confident in their ability as learners, having the courage to take risks, applying what they have learned and making appropriate decisions and choices.

Cooperation: Cooperating, collaborating, and leading or following as the situation demands.

Creativity: Being creative and imaginative in their thinking and in their approach to problems and dilemmas.

Curiosity: Being curious about the nature of learning, about the world, its people and cultures.

Empathy: Imagining themselves in another’s situation in order to understand his or her reasoning and emotions, so as to be open-minded and reflective about the perspectives of others.

Enthusiasm: Enjoying learning and willingly putting the effort into the process.

Independence: Thinking and acting independently, making their own judgments based on reasoned argument, and being able to defend their judgments.

Integrity: Being honest and demonstrating a considered sense of fairness.

Respect: Respecting themselves, others and the world around them.

Tolerance: Being sensitive about differences and diversity in the world and being responsive to the needs of others

PYP transdisciplinary skills

Thinking skills

Acquisition: of knowledge Gaining specific facts, ideas, vocabulary; remembering in a similar form.

Evaluation: Making judgments or decisions based on chosen criteria; standards and conditions.

Dialectical thought: Thinking about two or more different points of view at the same time; understanding those points of view; being able to construct an argument for each point of view based on knowledge of the other(s); realizing that other people can also take one’s own point of view

Metacognition: Analysing one’s own and others’ thought processes; thinking about how one thinks and how one learns.

Social skills

Accepting: Responsibility Taking on and completing tasks in an appropriate manner; being willing to assume a share of the responsibility

Respecting: others Listening sensitively to others; making decisions based on fairness and equality; recognizing that others’ beliefs, viewpoints, religions and ideas may differ from one’s own; stating one’s opinion without hurting others.

Cooperating: Working cooperatively in a group; being courteous to others; sharing materials; taking turns.